If God had said nothing what would we know? There is enough data in Creation to know that God is. Romans 1:20 “The eyes of both of them were opened” Gen. 3:7 Morally accountable Romans 1:24 We would be able to understand the social and civil outcome of sin. Genesis 4:8

If God had said nothing we would not know what to do about our sins. The details of salvation were kept secret until Christ and the Gospel. The people knew only what God told them. Matthew 13:17 The complete story was revealed by the apostles. Ephesians 3:4-5 If God had said nothing we would not know what to do about our sins.

The sacrifices of Cain and Abel Hebrews 11:4 “By Faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain” Pis'-tis – “From pi- tho; persuasion, that is credence; moral conviction” (Strong) Pi-tho – “A primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false)” (Strong)

Misguided Faith comes from ignorance and believing error. Acts 17:22 Romans 10:2-3 Saving faith – a conviction of and an obedience to truth. Romans 16:25-26

AUTHORITY God alone has the right and power of rule. I cannot know what pleases Him without Divine revelation. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (ESV)

Views and interpretations of the Bible God’s complete, inerrant, and final message. 2 Peter 1:2-3 2 Peter 1:20-21 What God does not expressly condemn is allowed – The Silence Argument Makes man the standard for authority. If God had to say not to do everything forbidden? Umbrella Prohibitions

God condemns vain or empty worship. Matthew 15:8-9 Condemns adding to or taking away from what is written. Revelation 22:18-19 Condemns going beyond what is written. 2 John 9 Condemns ignorant misunderstandings. 2 Peter 3:16

How do we establish authority? Never by Silence Never by Speculation Never by Feelings Never by our own wisdom and logic Direct Statements or Commands Necessary Implications Approved Apostolic Examples

Direct Statements or Commands Limited Binding Nature Acts 13:2 the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.“ Acts 8:29 The Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot." Direct Statements or Commands The binding nature of statements and commandments 1 John 2:3-5 1 Thess. 4:1-2

Direct Statements or Commands Evangelism Matt. 28:18-20 Edification Heb. 10:24-25 Benevolence 1 Cor. 16:1-2 Discipline 1 Cor. 5:9-11 Singing Col. 3:16

Necessary Implications A universally applied principle Neither expressly stated nor specifically exemplified The Resurrection Matt. 22:29-32 Gentiles’ Baptism Acts 10:44-48 Acts 11:15-18

Necessary Implications A universally applied principle Neither expressly stated nor specifically exemplified Baptism of Crispus and his household Acts 18:8 Baptism of the Philippian Jailer and his family Acts 16:30-33